SÃO PAULO — After a successful period as champion in RIZIN and Bellator, Kyoji Horiguchi is set to return to the UFC. Alexandre Pantoja, his teammate, has expressed his openness to defending his flyweight title against Horiguchi in the future.
While the UFC hasn`t yet announced the date or opponent for Horiguchi`s comeback fight, Pantoja envisions a future matchup against his American Top Team partner, provided Horiguchi secures a series of victories.
Pantoja emphasized the camaraderie at ATT, stating, “We have a large number of fighters at ATT, and teammates frequently compete against each other. Kyoji Horiguchi played a crucial role in my journey to becoming champion. I am uncertain if I would have had the same opportunity without his support during my training camps. Kyoji`s presence has been invaluable, and I am deeply grateful for his contributions to my success and my family`s well-being.”
He continued, “I consistently express my gratitude to Kyoji for his support. Fighting him for the title would be an honor. The title is the sole motivator for such a matchup. I don`t foresee us fighting otherwise. It would be a privilege to face Kyoji for the championship. I hope to maintain my reign as champion long enough for this opportunity to arise. Our sparring sessions at the gym are always highly anticipated, with everyone pausing their training to watch. Having Kyoji on my side is a true gift.”
Pantoja mentioned that Horiguchi has an upcoming UFC fight scheduled, though details remain confidential. Having already defended his title against Brandon Moreno, Steve Erceg, and Kai Asakura, Pantoja welcomes any challenger in the flyweight division.
“A great aspect of my division is the equal opportunities it presents,” Pantoja noted. “I have faced and defeated top contenders like Brandon Royval and Brandon Moreno multiple times. The UFC consistently introduces fresh challenges, whether from top-ranked fighters like Erceg or champions from other organizations like Asakura. This environment of opportunity is something I truly appreciate. The uncertainty surrounding my next opponent – be it Manel Kape, Brandon Moreno, Brandon Royval, Kai Kara-France, or even Merab Dvalishvili – is exciting. I embrace the fact that everyone has a chance to compete.”
Pantoja acknowledged Merab Dvalishvili`s upcoming bantamweight title defense and his past aspirations for double-championship status. However, he is now focused on his flyweight division, stating, “I have my own division to focus on.” With UFC 316 already featuring two title fights, Pantoja volunteered to compete at UFC 317 in Las Vegas on June 28.
“My primary goal is to win my next fight,” Pantoja concluded. “I don`t currently consider myself the best fighter in the world, particularly as I am transitioning between training camps and spending time in Brazil. Upon returning to American Top Team, I anticipate rigorous training, especially from Kyoji Horiguchi, who will undoubtedly be eager to test me upon his UFC return. This mindset of constant improvement and challenge is what drives me.”
“While I may not feel like the best fighter today, I am committed to being at my peak performance when I sign a fight contract and step into the octagon. My goal is to reclaim the title of world champion each and every fight. With a fight date set, my sole focus becomes achieving championship level once again.”
Wesley Dunham 
Marcus Blakely